Over the course of five mesmerizing CDs, Unearthed shows us just how Johnny Cash's now-legendary handful of recordings for American Records came to be. Four discs feature previously unreleased tracks from the famed Rick Rubin-produced sessions. Through their inconsistencies and quirks (and, more often than not, brilliance), they shed light on how Cash's final records were shaped, edited, and produced. Here we get some creative pairings: Fiona Apple providing guest vocals on Cat Stevens' "Father & Son," and the late Joe Strummer duetting with Cash on Bob Marley's "Redemption Song." Neither are the definitive statements that some of Cash's covers from this period are (his glorious takes on Nick Lowe and Danzig, to name just two), but they're still very much worth hearing. Most riveting are the numerous traditional numbers, the songs that were clearly closest to the Man in Black's heart. "Banks of the Ohio," Billy Joe Shaver's "Old Chunk of Coal," Stephen Foster's "Hard Times," and the entire disc of previously unreleased gospel tunes are powerful statements, tunes where you feel privileged to hear Cash--despite declining health and failing voice--sing one more time, the way he wanted. The last disc of this monumental set is a "best-of" compilation of tracks that did make it on the American individual discs, a reminder of just how groundbreaking these sessions were. Perhaps the biggest highlight in this awe-inspiring set is its vast liner notes, a loving collection of essays and recollections that highlight the history and stories behind this eclectic array of songs. --Jason Verlinde

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Disc: 1 1. Long Black Veil 2. Flesh & Blood 3. Just The Other Side 4. If I Give My Soul 5. Understand Your Man6. Banks Of The Ohio7. Two Timing Woman 8. The Caretaker (fka Who’s Gonna Cry) 9. Chunk Of Coal 10. I’m Going To Memphis11. Breaking Bread 12. Waiting For A Train13. Casey 14. No Earthly Good 15. The Fourth Man In The Fire 16. Dark As A Dungeon 17. Book Review 18. Down There By The Train

Disc: 4 1. Never Grow Old 2. I Shall Not Be Moved 3. I Am A Pilgrim 4. Doo Lord 5. When The Roll 6. If We Never Meet Again This Side Of Heaven 7. I’ll Fly Away Listen Listen Listen 8. Where The Soul Of Man Never Dies 9. Let The Lower Lights Be Burning 10. When He Reached Down 11. In The Sweet Bye And Bye 12. I’m Bound For The Promised Land 13. In The Garden 14. Softly & Tenderly 15. Just As I Am